I explored and bought more new music in 2018 than many years prior. So many established bands released the best work of their careers, while so many new bands popped up on my radar and haven't left my stereo since. Thought I'd share with all of you my top 12 records and about 8 more that I also thoroughly loved.

1. GRAYCEON - IV : there isn’t a metal band on Earth that sounds like Grayceon, and Grayceon has never sounded better than they do on IV. Which is saying a lot since each release is consistently incredible. Sure I’m biased, this is my wife’s band. But these guys came back after a short hiatus to remind the metal world how unfuckingtouchable they are. It’s a damn crime they’re not on every “best of” list this year. Few bands made albums this heart felt, this original, this gorgeous, this well executed, and this chocked full of mindbendingly good riffs.

Help us raise money for our dear friends at SHRINE CUSTOM SPEAKER CABINETS rebuild their business which was completely lost in the fires. Any money we can raise, even if just enough to buy them one new saw or other piece of vital equipment, would be a tremendous help.

Their band SHADOW LIMB, who all grew up in Paradise will be joining us as well, and we'll be supporting the release of the new SQUALUS/SHADOW LIMB split LP entitled "Mass and Power". Our dear friends and fellow Shrine users, AEQUOREA will be coming up from Nevada City to bring the heavy!

Come party at Winters Tavern in Pacifica with us, gaze upon the wall of SHRINE CABS swallowing the stage, and bring some dough to donate to the cause.